Assessing the impact of climate variability on tourist attractions in Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Abstract

Climate variability is real and has far reaching consequences on tourist attractions (plants, birds and animals) and the environment. with Climate variability awareness going on and considering the fact that Bwindi national park is a world heritage site, there is need to show the entire world how BNP management is contributing to the global efforts of stabilizing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions because of its thick green nature. Conservation of these tourist attractions will greatly help to maintain species diversity for our benefit and provide opportunities for education and enjoyment of the environment. This study aimed assessing the impacts of climate variability on tourists attracts attractions and identifying the different adaptation characteristics of tourist attractions to survive better during occurrence of climate variations in BNP, Kanungu District. Results indicated that 98.6% of respondents agreed that climate variability has occurred and has largely impacted the tourist attractions. Rainfall and temperature being the major parameters of climate variability with variations in them cause a large variation in climate which leads to call for adaptations measures in tourist attractions. Sensitizing the local communities around the National parks about the benefits of conserving tourist attractions and impacts of climate variability is crucial for us to have a healthy environment and this will call for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals especially goal 13 (Climate change)